reggiek's Blog at LumberJocks.comhttp://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog
Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:09:24 GMTJordan in the current Highlander e-maghttp://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/26776
Just wanted to congratulate Jordan for being featured in the current Highlander e-magazine. That beautiful war shirt certainly displays some of his spectacular talent. For those who do not get the Highlander emails – here is a link to the article – Jordan's war shirt carving. Great to see some of your fantastic carvings getting more exposure….it should certainly lead to more commissions as more realize what exquisite work you do.]]>
Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:09:24 GMThttp://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/26776reggiekreggiekWhat is your favorite wood to work with? Why?http://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/22437
This weekend I was able spent some time discussing wood types and benefits with an Arboriculturist and tree biology expert . It was most enlightening. We discussed fibre content, strength and growth characteristics. We discussed color and grain. We discussed ages of trees, sustainability and wood ratings. I was amazed at all the science involved.

Anyway, I thought this might be an interesting area to discuss. Perhaps learn something new or interesting about different woods and their pro’s or con’s. Hear what others think about different species….their likes and dislikes.

My favorite wood to work with flat (lumber) is Maple. I like it’s hardness and ability to hold a detailed shape. I really like the different figures available – Tiger, BE, Hard, Soft, etc…etc. Maple is not real forgiving though…and finishes can blead into it if you are not careful. It is not as brittle as some hardwoods like Cocobolo…but it can still be hard to put in a screw or some brads etc. Maple can run the gamut on prices….depending on the figure, the size etc…..but mostly it is in the medium price range. There are quite a few domestic species available so you do not have to pay more for importing it.

When it comes to turning, I have a couple favorites….but if I had to pick one…I would haee to go with Cocobolo. It is beautifully figured, turns easily and holds the detail quite well. Cocobolo is very chip happy….it tears out easily…and will crack or break easily from screws, brads or other insertions (a pilot hole is mandatory on this wood). It is an oily wood and care must be taken when glueing and when finishing in order to insure that you get a decent bond. this wood is also expensive and very heavy/dense – since it is imported this weight adds significantly to the cost.

I haven’t worked with every wood available, so my choices are limited to what I have had experience with. I really enjoy trying a new species….I just puchased a couple of Australian burls to try out (I have never turned these woods so I will have a bit of a learning curve.

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Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:09:57 GMThttp://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/22437reggiekreggiekGreat Shoe Challenge - It is starting to look like a shoe? #1: Slowly a shoe shape emergeshttp://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/18600
Well, here is my progress to date. I am on hold since my handpiece took a dive off the holder and ate a shop rag….needless to say…shop rag – 1 – Flex shaft – 0. That was the last spare one I had as I had used the other shaft to fix my proxon when it snapped. This time I bought 3 instead of one.

These kind of take on the look of those Dutch wood shoes….course mine would only fit my bit toe…LOL

As soon as those shafts get here it is on to the detail….and then Laces? I’ll leave that up to Jordan. The instruction has been excellent….and I am definitely seeing improvement in my sight and shaping techniques…I do not think I will get close to Jordan’s skill and talent…..but for now I am enjoying the ride.

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Tue, 12 Oct 2010 19:13:49 GMThttp://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/18600reggiekreggiek1 year Anniversary on LJ'shttp://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/16250
This afternoon marks my one year anniversary of joining LJ’s. Even though I had read the blogs and such for several months prior to that, I did not decide to join until this date one year ago.

Taking a moment to reflect on the prior year, I would say that this site has given me enormous help, including the tips, tool reviews, ideas and inspirations…but most of all the comaraderie with people that share this love of woodworking. Thank you Martin for providing such an excellent forum for us. I am looking forward to more good years…and especially one where the economy improves and more folks can share in this wonderful craft.

My hope is that one or more of my responses and posts has provided to someone the help or inspiration they needed. For now, keep safe, enjoy your time in the shop, and may all your projects be winners.

Reg

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Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:04:44 GMThttp://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/16250reggiekreggiekGreene and Greene - Exampleshttp://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/15664
I was just watching this great video tour of Sausage Maker Aidell’s home that is build using mostly Greene and Greene styles. For those of you, myself included, that find this style appealing, there are some beautiful examples and inspiration here. The link is to Fine Hombuilding which posted the video. I did not want to embed it here as I did not want it to appear that we or I are stealing other sites postings and claiming them as our own. Take a look and enjoy. Greene and Greene video]]>
Wed, 12 May 2010 18:16:54 GMThttp://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/15664reggiekreggiekWoodcraft sale on Nova Chuckhttp://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/12227
In case any of you turners are looking for a chuck to use on your lathe….This one is at a great price…plus it includes 2 jaws and a wood center screw. I have the supernova II on my big lathe…and now one of these on my Jet mini….the jaws are interchangeable and now I don’t have to keep switching chucks and jaws so much….....and the price was better then the grizzly or the PSI chucks….all of which have their plus’s and minus’s…..but most of them are over $99.00 whereas this one is only $79.00…here is the link if you need….

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Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:22:33 GMThttp://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/12227reggiekreggiekOld Planes - Restore?http://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/10641
I was given these three very old planes and was wondering whether they are worthy of restoration? They are a bit rusty…some of the wooden handles need reglueing and finishing….and the blades need sharpening or replacing….There is no brand or markings on any of them other then “Made in USA” on the smaller one. Any ideas? and this one and the last one]]>
Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:27:54 GMThttp://lumberjocks.com/reggiek/blog/10641reggiekreggiek